Positivity Project #3 - Lets READ

Good afternoon!

Are you one of those people who says, “I never have enough time to read?” or my favorite, “I only read on summer break.”

GASP! That is just so wrong and my heart aches for you.

Not sure how exactly that could ever be the case. Find 30 minutes in the morning or before bed and guarantee you will start or end your day relaxed.

Do it! Try it! No better time than NOW.

How big is your To Be Read pile? I usually have a TBR pile of only one or two books. I tend to read what I buy immediately. I am more like a kid in a candy store. I want and I want to read it NOW!

My dad (remember he is on an extended visit with me) has read several books since he started his visit. He reads a little in the morning with his morning coffee, a little in the afternoon, and a little to relax before bed at night.

Now the good part is that we enjoy the same books– mostly. Like he loves to read Sharon Sala who happens to be one of my favorite authors. If you enjoy a good romance and ones with a little mystery with characters you can’t help but fall in love with then Dad and I both recommend Sharon Sala and especially her “Blessings Georgia” series. See the photos. But we love all of Sharon’s books.

I finished “The Vanishing”, the latest paranormal mystery by Jayne Ann Krentz. Jayne does a terrific job with paranormal. She and Heather Graham are my two favorites in this genre. I mean what more could a person want: mystery, paranormal, and romance.

We also both enjoy David Baldacci and John Sanford. Dad just re-read “The Collectors” by David Baldacci.
 
I got Dad started on reading “The Kidd” series by John Sandford. Having lived in Minnesota, we both love and have known a character like his “Virgil Flowers” character, we recommend John Sandford books.

I am finishing up Linda Lael Miller’s latest book, “Country Strong” from her new Painted Pony Creek series. Anytime you want a good romance that takes place on a ranch then Linda Lael Miller is where you want to turn.

Next up on my list is “The Shape of the Night” by Tess Gerritsen. Another author my dad and I have in common. No doubt he will read this one when I am finished, but for now, get in line.

Tell us what you are reading. What author or series do you recommend?

Can’t get your hands on a book right now? Well, you are in luck. Until June 30^th we have a National Emergency Library open for digital reading of over 1.4 million books. FREE. Visit this link: https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary

Novels not your thing? That’s okay, Marvel has free digital read of some of their comic books available. FREE. Visit this link: https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/1626/read-these-free-comics

Prefer someone to read you a bedtime story? Well, Dolly Parton on Facebook can help you out. FREE. Visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2518816801707089/

If you know of other ways to get free reads, please share what you have discovered.

More than anything—HAPPY READING!!

 

 
 
 
 

THE END - Are there any words sweeter to a writer?

For a reader, those two words mean an ending. To an author they are the most wonderful three-letter words in the dictionary. It’s a sign that what you spent months crafting has finally concluded, more than likely to a happy ending. THE END means the story is done, but the work has just begun. We get to edit the manuscript, polish it, and pretty it up for the entire world or in most cases, for the publisher to see.

THE END are two words that make a writer feel exultant and sad at the same time. Exultant, because we completed a piece of art. Sad, because our baby has come to the finish line and now we have to put those characters aside and let others take their place.

At 10:52 PM on Saturday, March 31, I wrote those two beautiful words on my sixth novel known as At Face Value. One hour ahead of my self-imposed deadline. Yea me!

What does an author do when he or she writes those two words?

Well, if you’re like me, you jump up out of the chair that your butt has now permanently dented and you dance. You pump your arms up and down and shake your booty; all while chanting, “The end! The end!”

Then you blow out a heavy sigh, hit send to email that final chapter to you critique partner and give a little prayer that he or she likes it.

After that, it hits you. Those two characters are gone. They are shut away until you see them again in print behind a beautiful cover. A tear may slide down your cheek or you may give a little sniff. I equate it to saying goodbye to a longtime friend when they move away. Oh, you’ll see and talk with them again, but it won’t be for a while.

Don’t worry though! There are usually characters waiting in line, shoving themselves forward, vying for a spot in the next novel. As a matter of fact, my hero for my next novel was knocking on my door this morning wondering when he and I can get together to chat. We have to get to know each other before I can tell his story.

His name is Rory O’Sullivan and he wants me to tell you all about him, his trials, tribulations, and his experiences that brought him to where he is today.

My next heroine, who I only know as Dakota right now, is just an inkling in the back of my mind, but she’s there. Give her another week and she may just spring up from a behind a bush and pounce, wanting to tell her story.

For all you writers out there, my best wishes for you to write those words, to write THE END.

Who would you like to meet?

If you could meet anyone or even several people in this world, who would you most like to meet?

I recently read the book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson. After reading that book I would definitely like to meet Marcus Luttrell and his brother Morgan. Of course, I wouldn’t mind meeting Billy Shelton to see if he can whip my hiney into shape. Not that I want to be a Navy SEAL. Although, I do love to scuba dive.

The technology side of me would like to meet Bill Gates. I mean here’s a man who started a business when he was practically a kid and it’s still around today doing well and an organization that companies strive to compete with. Not to mention the fact that the man is a humanitarian and always looking to donate money and/or resources for various organizations and people and he is a true believer in education. Education is a passion with me.

The truly geeky side of me and the side of me that reads an article or a book and then has to learn more would love to meet Bryant Linares, President and CEO of Apollo Diamond, Inc. Yes, ladies, part of what his company does is create diamonds. When I say create, I mean manmade “real” diamonds. But he doesn’t create them for us to wear, although that has been a byproduct of his work. Through the use of nanotechnology, Apollo Diamond, Inc creates diamonds to be used in technology like the replacement for silicon computer chips. Diamonds are better heat conductors than silicon. In his garage, Mr. Linares built a machine that “makes” REAL diamonds. Today, he runs his business out of a secret location. Cool, huh!

While I am not a political person. . .actually, I deplore politics. I do however have a great deal of respect for one politician out of Oklahoma, Thomas Coburn. He’s a politician second and a practicing doctor first. He believes in term-limits and calls things like they are. While I may not agree with all of his views, I respect any man that steps up to the podium and tells people what he thinks and why, without regard for his party line. He actually reads things as black and white and foregoes the gray matter in the middle that most politicians thrive on.

Since I’m talking about men I respect, I would like to meet a guy who works for me. Yeah, that sounds kind of funny, right? But it’s true. I’ve worked with a man by the name of Mike Finn for over two years now, but have yet to meet him in person. I have a picture of him taped to my phone so whenever the team does con-calls we all can put a face to a name, it is not the same as meeting someone and getting to know them. Mike is a terrific engineer, probably one of the best I have ever had the opportunity to work with, but beyond that, he is a man that realizes there is more to life than work. He enjoys his family and revels in his free time to do things like play music with his band and make home brewed beer. By the way, I’ve tasted some of the beer…very good!
Of course there are many authors that I would love to meet, to sit and just have lunch with and pick their brains. To hear from them the trials and tribulations they went through to get to where they are today.

One more that will probably surprise you all is an artist by the name of Dale Chihuly. Mr. Chihuly is a famous blown glass artist. Ever since I read a book by Nora Roberts years ago, I have been fascinated by glass blowing. Well, this man is the epitome of art in he glass world. Look him and his work up. Beautiful doesn’t come close to describing his work or his talent.

Send books overseas

In honor of our military men and women overseas, I am doing a book giveaway.

This giveaway is a "Give a book, get a book." You have to give me a book, any NEW book you have sitting around and I in turn will give you a NEW copy of CONNECT THE DOTS. If you've already read CONNECT THE DOTS let me know and I will happily exchange one of my other books for a book you send.

"What am I going to do with the books you give me?"

I have friends in the military and I know they could use a good book to read so I am going to send all the books I collect to the military.

This is a "Give a book, get a book" giveaway and should be a lot of fun.

Come on fellow authors, readers, and bloggers. . .you know you have a book you can give away!

All you have to do is give away a book to get one and help our military folks overseas.

Here's what you need to do. Either leave me your email here as a comment so I can contact you or email me by going here Contact Denise and sending me a note saying you want to give a book away.

We'll exchange information and I will send you a copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

Or, if you are local to New England and like to get up early on a Sunday then I invite you to join me for breakfast on Sunday morning between now and May 29th. Join me at Panera in Bedford, NH between 7 AM and 9 AM and exchange a book with me right then and there.

I will be doing this giveaway until May 30 or until I run out of books. On Memorial weekend I will ship the books to our military men and women.

BTW - You are not limited to donating just one book. Thanks to some terrific friends and bloggers, I have received a box of books from several people. As thanks, I sent them one of each of my books.

I really hope you pass this "Give a book, get a book" giveaway on and help me send some books to our military friends and family.

Thanks,
Denise

Authors, book bloggers, and readers - help our troops out

In honor or me finding a box of books and our military men and women overseas, I am doing a book giveaway.

This giveaway is a "Give a book, get a book." You have to give me a book, any NEW book you have sitting around and I in turn will give you a NEW copy of CONNECT THE DOTS. If you've already read CONNECT THE DOTS then let me know and I will happily exchange one of my other books for a book you send.

"What am I going to do with the books you give me?"

Such a good question. I am not going to read them. I am going to give them away.

I have friends in the military and I know they could use a good book to read so I am going to send all the books I collect to the military.

This is a "Give a book, get a book" giveaway and should be a lot of fun.

Come on fellow authors, readers, and bloggers. . .you know you have a book you can give away!

Now that you know about the giveaway, all you have to do is give away a book to get one and help our military folks overseas.

Here's what you need to do. Either leave me your email here as a comment so I can contact you or email me by going here Contact Denise and sending me a note saying you want to give a book away.

We'll exchange information and I will send you a copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

Or, if you are local to New England and like to get up early on a Sunday then I invite you to join me for breakfast on Sunday morning between now and May 25th. Join me at Panera in Bedford, NH between 7 AM and 9 AM and exchange a book with me right then and there.

I will be doing this giveaway until May 25 or until I run out of books. Then on Memorial weekend I will ship the books to our military men and women.

I really hope you pass this "Give a book, get a book" giveaway on and help me send some books to our military friends and family.

Thanks,
Denise

Oh, deer! Authors Pauline Jones and Denise Robbins have two new fans

But in this case, that's not necessarily a good thing...

How ominous is that?!

This is the message that greeted me Friday morning from my publisher when I checked my email before leaving for work.

Apparently Linda had ordered a bunch of books and all had arrived in two big boxes Monday night. All except for two books. They were put into a small separate box, which did not arrive until the next day, after Linda publisher had to leave for Houston Tuesday night.

Linda said, “I didn't worry, since no rain was expected. I figured the box would be sitting near the mailboxes, waiting for me to pick it up on my way in tonight (late Thursday.)”

However, her "ever so helpful" neighbor decided to bring the box up to her inside big gate, and since it was small, they must have slipped it underneath. Or put it very very close, at least partway under the gate.

Because. . .

According to Linda, “When I came through the gate tonight after midnight, I discovered that my two Fallow bucks had opened the UPS box, and were happily devouring one copy of Out of Time and a copy of Never Tempt Danger.”

GASP! See photo.

Linda ended her note by saying, “Well, these two have already "tempted danger" with me way too many times. I won't elaborate now, it's late (after 2:30 AM) and I'm tired...

So, these four legged boys are officially "out of time" and if they try this again, they are going to get some BB's in their big hairy butts!”

As for the neighbors, she says, “I'm not sure what I'm going to do to the neighbors. I'm pretty sure it was the little boy (who rides down on his ATV to pick up the mail) - I think his Dad is a paramedic. Perhaps I'll ask him if he can resuscitate the books.”

LOL! That would be a miracle.

“On that note, I'll sign off and try to get some rest.
Linda”

Pauline chimed in later on Friday with, “LOL! Instead of the dog ate my homework, the deer ate the books. LOL! My sister says the deer in her yard try to eat everything! They start with her flowers, but finish anything and everything! Time to bring on the hunters. [GRIN] Oh the trials of a publisher. I think you’ve got a blog in there somewhere. Hugs!”

Pauline was correct. These two new fans would make a great blog post. BUT. . . being the mystery, suspense, steampunk and whatever else writers Pauline and I are we need to know more about these so-called ‘fans’ or as I have given them the nickname of ‘book bandits’.

Ergo we investigate and get a little more information on our culprits. What we learn from Linda is this:

This is a mugshot of one of the ‘book bandits’. He’s a white Fallow buck Linda named ‘Mergatroid’.”

Okay, wait! She names the deer Mergatroid? Didn’t the Hanna-Barbera cartoon ‘Snagglepuss’ use “Heavens to Mergatroid (Murgatroyd)!” as one of his catchphrases? The meaning one of surprise and shock. . .and trouble.

Hm. Me thinks the deer is aptly named. As a matter of fact, she calls his son, his partner in crime (a dark brown Fallow) “Junior”.

Linda’s eyewitness testimony states, “The two of them are always "up to something" - including eating the car seat covers on my Jeep in the carport. I swear this deer breed (a variety of European Moose, imported into the USA) is part goat!”

Yup! Having seen goats try to nibble at my mother’s shoes while her feet were still in them, I get a clear visual as to they will eat anything.

Linda continues, “The does are sweeties, though, and even though they act silly, they aren't as destructive as the bucks. Must be a "guy thing" that crosses all species. Search and destroy...search and destroy...”

Now if you know Linda you would be laughing at that statement. Not because it’s not true. But because this is a woman who goes out at the wee hours of the morning with her shotgun in hand and ‘searches and destroys’ the raccoons that wreak havoc on her lodge in the woods.

Anyway, long story to get to the point of saying, “If even the deer want to devour our books, you should too!”

In case you missed the titles that Mergatroid and Junior preferred they were “Out of Time” by Pauline Baird Jones and “Never Tempt Danger” by Denise Robbins. Both are available at L&L Dreamspell.

Just be sure to send a note to Linda and tell her you prefer a copy without the deer teeth marks, hoof prints, or any other deer markings.

Catch me TODAY!. . .if you can

Catch me and 49 other local authors, poets, illustrators at a BOOK SALE!

TODAY (August 26) from 4 PM until 8:30 PM

The Johnson Auditorium
HAVERHILL PUBLIC LIBRARY

99 Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01830


Can you imagine so many local area artists in one spot? You won't want to miss it!

See you there.

Pre-event pictures of the winery/vineyard

The other day, I met Kristin Callender, CJ West, and Carla Snow at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown to discuss/plan the wine/mystery event that will take place on Friday, November 13th. David Daniel could not make it, but will be there on the 13th.

Carla is on the left in the photo, then me, then Kristin, and CJ.

Since many of you will not be able to make this unique and fun event, I thought I would share some of the photos of the function hall and winery, etc. that Kristin's mom took for us.



This is the backside of the winery and function hall.








This image shows a greenhouse with a water fountain in the works. Hm...could be a good place for a clue or a dead body.








Always wondered what a wine vat looks like? Well, here's your chance.








Here is the function hall wine bar. Don't you just love that it looks like a wine barrel?









Here is part of the function hall. All of the wood beams and the floors come from the wood on Zorvino's own 80 acres. Beautiful!






For those that cannot make the wine/mystery event on November 13th, not to worry. I'll get some photose from that evening so you can imagine it. :-)

Could your neighbor be a romance writer?

This weekend, Sausan Cragin, author of Nuclear Nebraska and member of the New Hampshire Romance Writers had an article she wrote published in the Concord Monitor, a local newspaper. Is your neighbor a romance writer?

The article is entertaining, interesting, and educational. Take a look at the article, read it, share it with your friends. And the next time you are out and about whether at the grocery store, in a bookstore, at Target or Wal-Mart, pick up romance novel, flip to the back and read the bio of the author. Find out if she is from your neighborhood.

Or when you are out to eat, glance around. Do you see a woman sitting there with a notebook and pen writing away, laughing at nothing, or maybe she has a tiny little computer sitting in front of her, her fingers flying over the keys, making faces at the screen while she types?

She could be a romance writer. Or the romance writer could be sitting there with a companion and instead of listening to the person sitting across from her, she is tuned in to a conversation between two strangers and taking mental notes for her own novel. Be careful what you say in a low whisper. :-)

Next time you are out, pick up a romance, take it home and have a good read. It's the best therapy for a little mental break and a lot of relaxation. Happy reading!

Borders Book Event Today with CJ West and Nora LeDuc

Book signing event offers thrills, chills, mystery & suspense

Two local Borders Books are getting into the Halloween spirit a little early when they host book signings by highly acclaimed techno-romantic thriller author Denise Robbins. The Oct 10 signing in Concord, N.H. and Oct. 24 signing in Nashua, N.H. will precede a post-Halloween event at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, N.H., when Robbins joins other published authors for a murder mystery experience on Friday the 13th of November.

Called a master of the techno-romantic thriller field by Night Owl Romance, Robbins is a software engineering manager who uses her knowledge of computers and technology to create tales of crime, romance, and suspense that pulls readers in and never lets them go.

Coffee Time Romance called Robbins’ latest novel Killer Bunny Hill, a “gripping suspense story,” while Café of Dreams said in its review, “Ms. Robbins blends together secrets, intrigue, suspense, and romance as easily and wonderfully as a master chef blends the ingredients for a delectable gourmet meal.”

The Midwest Book Review gave her debut novel It Happens in Threes five stars, and says the book is “packed with scorching romance, nail-biting suspense, and nonstop action,” making it a great read for both men and women.

Readers are invited to come out and meet Robbins and authors CJ West and Nora LeDuc on Oct. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Borders in Concord. If you miss this event, Robbins and LeDuc will team up with Robin Beaudette and Michaeline Della Fera from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Borders in Nashua.

To learn more about Robbins and her books, or the murder mystery event at Zorvino Vineyards, visit www.deniserobbins.com.

Book your plans for Saturday, October 10 2pm to 4pm

Book signing event offers thrills, chills, mystery & suspense

Two local Borders Books are getting into the Halloween spirit a little early when they host book signings by highly acclaimed techno-romantic thriller author Denise Robbins. The Oct 10 signing in Concord and Oct. 24 signing in Nashua will precede a post-Halloween event at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, N.H., when Robbins joins other published authors for a murder mystery experience on Friday the 13th of November.

Called a master of the techno-romantic thriller field by Night Owl Romance, Robbins is a software engineering manager who uses her knowledge of computers and technology to create tales of crime, romance, and suspense that pulls readers in and never lets them go.

Coffee Time Romance called Robbins’ latest novel Killer Bunny Hill, a “gripping suspense story,” while Café of Dreams said in its review, “Ms. Robbins blends together secrets, intrigue, suspense, and romance as easily and wonderfully as a master chef blends the ingredients for a delectable gourmet meal.”

The Midwest Book Review gave her debut novel It Happens in Threes five stars, and says the book is “packed with scorching romance, nail-biting suspense, and nonstop action,” making it a great read for both men and women.

Readers are invited to come out and meet Robbins and authors CJ West and Nora LeDuc on Oct. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Borders in Concord. On Oct. 24, Robbins and LeDuc will team up with Robin Beaudette and Michaeline Della Fera from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Borders in Nashua.

To learn more about Robbins and her books, or the murder mystery event at Zorvino Vineyards, visit www.deniserobbins.com.

Sleuths needed to solve murder mystery on Friday the 13th

What: Murder Mystery with published authors
When: Friday the 13th of course! (November)
Where: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, NH

Sleuths needed to solve murder mystery on Friday the 13th
Enjoy wine and meet published authors while trying to solve a mystery at Zorvino Vineyards

Get out your spy glasses and put on your thinking caps. A group of talented murder, mystery and romance authors are putting their creative heads together to come up with an original murder mystery at Zorvino Vineyards on Friday the 13th of November – and they’re asking you to solve it.

Salem author Denise Robbins is heading up the group of authors that hope to thrill, scare and confound those who try to solve the fictitious whodunnit. A software engineer by day, Robbins writes romantic thrillers that have been recognized as containing “nail-biting suspense.”

“Everyone knows a good book and a glass of wine go great together, but we are planning an event that will really let the participants get a taste of the crime,” Robbins said. “All of the authors are really excited about getting the opportunity to mystify and thrill those who attend.”

The entire Zorvino Vineyards will be open for sleuths to wander about to search for clues. The authors will also be present to sign their books and the winery will be open for tasting. For those who need nourishment while solving crimes, the upstairs facility will be open with a special menu of food. There will also be local vendors and a painter who will be personalizing and decorating wine glasses and other items.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the case will be solved at 10 p.m. when the authors share the details. The public is invited to arrive at any time, but need to leave enough time to find clues and solve the mystery. The person who comes closest to figuring out” whodunit” will receive a signed book from each author and wine from Zorvino’s.

**Participating authors: Denise Robbins, CJ West, David Daniel, Kristin Callender, Carla Snow

Cost is $10 and reservations are required by calling 603-887-8463.

What do Toadstools have in common with authors?

What do Toadstools have in common with authors?

BOOKS! Toadstool Bookshop sells books and hosts author events. . .and bakes brownies.

(That would be Shirley at the book table)



Last Saturday, Tammy McCracken and Toadstool Bookshop in Milford, NH hosted four New England authors in a group book event. Nora LeDuc (this week's book-a-week challenge author), Diana Rubino, Shirley Howard, and yours truly, Denise Robbins.

(Diana Rubino is on left in green. I'm the funny blonde on the right.)


Why would Tammy and Toadstool Bookshop have a book event with us?

Are you kidding? Because we are all entertaining and fun. Oh, yeah! We also write terrific stories. Plus, I made chocolate lollipops.

(That would be me with Nora LeDuc in front of all those good books.)

For those of you who missed the event, I thought I would share with you some pictures to rub in the good time you missed. :-)

For those of you who missed the event, not to worry, you can still go by the Toadstool Bookshop and get signed copies of our books.

**Photos courtesy of Gina Leuci, romance writer. **

Getting ready for group book signing event

Good Saturday morning!

I'm getting ready for my afternoon book signing of my new techno-romantic thriller, KILLER BUNNY HILL at Toadstool Bookstore in Milford, N.H. today, Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It'll be three times the fun when romance authors Denise Robbins, Diana Rubino, and Nora LeDuc pay Toadstool a visit to sign their books and share the craft of writing with you.

I hope to see you there to join in the fun!

Time: Saturday, July 11, 2009 2:00 p.m.

Location: Toadstool Bookstore, 586 Nashua St, Lorden Plaza, Milford, NH 03055

Phone: 603-673-1734

http://www.toadbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storeevents&eventId=426158

Summer Beach Reading List

Didn't we hit summer yet? Isn't summer when a lot of people say they read? You know, while on vacation sitting on the beach, they pull out a great book and tune out the world.

Okay, well, I read all the time, but I have been told that people build a "To-Be-Read" pile just for their summer vacation.

So. . .let's help those vacation readers select great BEACH READS.

Share what you recommend. But here is the kicker. Let's make this TRULY summer beach reads. Share only those books that take place in the summer and at the beach. Maybe even have a beach scene on the cover. You know, where you see sand, ocean, a beach chair, a big floppy straw hat, maybe even an empty bikini on the sand.

I'll start the list. Okay, I do have to recommend my book It Happens in Threes because yes, it takes place all around Hawaii and Florida in the summer, and yes, it has a cover with a girl in a bikini holding swim fins on the beach . Truly my idea of a summer beach read.

Here's another with a great cover. Lynda Curnyn's book, Killer Summer, has a bikini lying in the surf on a sandy beach.
Quick blurb: Three Friends. One Dead Body. The summer they'll never forget…
Check it out: http://www.lyndacurnyn.com/?ob2=ob4&ob4=ob9&ob13=5

One of my favorite author, Linda Howard, has a new book titled Burn that will be a great summer read. The cover has a woman lying on the beach in a bikini. http://tinyurl.com/mwturq
Quick blurb: Money certainly changes Jenner Redwine’s life when she wins a lottery jackpot. But it also costs her plenty: Her father rips her off and disappears, her fortune-hunting boyfriend soon becomes her ex, and friends-turned-freeloaders give her the cold shoulder when she stops paying for everything.